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Fall For All!
From fireside fellowship to southern flavors, thereâs something for everyone this season!
Men enjoyed good company (and great seafood) at the Low Country Boil, the Youth gathered for sâmores and pumpkin carving, and the Women shared laughter and community during their Progressive Dinner.
We are looking forward to the Ministry Fair, Fall Festival, and an afternoon piano concert this Sunday â scroll down to learn more!
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Renee's Reflection
Completely unprompted, as we were driving home from school yesterday, my six-year-old said, âMom, when you die, will you come back and visit me as an angel?â
Keeping my composure and looking at him in the rear view mirror, I confidently replied, âOf course I will.â
âOk, good,â he responded, âbecause I have questions.â
I chuckled slightly and said, âAre you just looking for proof?â
âYeah, I want to know what heaven is like and if there are a lot of people and what they look like.â
Our conversation went on a lot longer, and I keep thinking about it. His line of questioning points to the root of something we all wrestle with.
We want to believe in what we cannot see. We want to trust in what we donât fully understand. But itâs hard. We want answers, proof that heaven is real, that God is near, that there is an end to suffering and grief, and that all of this hope we carry isnât in vain. Whether weâre six years old or sixty, we all carry questions. And some days, those questions feel heavier than our faith.
Well, the incredible thing is that God is not threatened by our questions. In fact, God invites them. God doesnât expect blind, perfect belief, but instead meets us in the struggle. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 41:10, âDo not fear, for I am with you⊠I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.â Thatâs not a promise for the days we have it all together. Itâs a promise for the days we donât, when doubt creeps in, when we feel small and unsure, when our questions outweigh our answers.
God doesn't let go. Even when weâre wrestling with the mystery, God is holding us up.
Faith isnât about having every question answered. Itâs about trusting that God is good, even when we donât understand. And itâs in the quiet assurance of Godâs presence that we find the courage to keep asking, keep hoping, and keep believing.
So, as we make preparations for an exciting Fall Festival this Sunday, complete with a petting zoo, tractor hayrides, trunk or treat, ministry fair, hot dog and chili lunch, and all the sweet treats to go with it, know that God already knows your deepest struggles and welcomes you just as you are. When you come on Sunday, know that itâs more than just a fun day, but an invitation to connect with a community of people who donât have all the answers either, but are committed to walking this road of faith together.
Renee Stephens, Director of Membership and Children's Ministry
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Thank you for your Pledges!
Weâre so grateful for the strong and generous response to our 2026 stewardship campaign. So far, 91 households have made pledgesâmany of them new or increased from last year. Thank you! Your commitment helps sustain our ministries of worship, outreach, and care for one another at Holy Innocents.
If you havenât yet made your pledge, thereâs still time. Every pledgeâof any sizeâmakes a real difference as we plan for the year ahead. Together, we are building faith, welcoming all, and serving our neighbors in Christâs name.
You can make your pledge online today or return your pledge card to the church office. Thank you again for your generosity, faith, and love for this community. Together. For Good.
With deep gratitude,
The Vestry & Stewardship Committee
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This Sunday at Holy Innocents
Adult Forum Series | Music Program Review
Dr. Sonya Subbayya Sutton will be with us to help evaluate and strengthen our music program as we begin the search for a new director. A highly respected organist, conductor, and pianist with over 40 years of experience in the Episcopal Churchâincluding 20 years as Music Director at St. Albanâs, Washington, D.C.âDr. Sutton has guided several parishes through times of transition and is a past president of the Association of Anglican Musicians.
She will visit Holy Innocents October 25â26 to meet with the choir, donors, vestry, and congregation, and will lead the Adult Formation hour on Sunday to share insights on church music and the search process.
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Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
October 26, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Come in costume for Sunday School and worship, then stick around after the service for an afternoon full of fall fun and festive fellowship.
Trunk or treat, hayrides, petting zoo, lunch, seasonal treats, and more! Chili and hotdogs for all.
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Ministry Fair at
Holy Innocents
October 26, 11:30-1:00 PM
Together. For Good.
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While the young and old enjoy the Fall Festival, the Ministry Fair will be there to deliver another kind of adventure!
Representatives from the Community, Outreach, and Worship Ministries will provide information about the ways you can find new friends at Holy Innocentsâ Church and make a difference together.
Do you want to get involved?
Contact Maggie Menkus | menkus10@gmail.com
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FOMA Concert: Sandro Russo
October 26, 3:00-4:00 PM
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Sponsored by the Pro Mozart Society of Atlanta. Praised as âan artist to his fingertipsâ and âa pianistâs pianist,â he is celebrated for both his masterful interpretations of the classics and his championing of rare repertoire. Born in Italy, Russo studied at the V. Bellini Conservatory and the Royal College of Music before moving to the United States. Russo has released acclaimed recordings on the Steinway & Sons label, including Chopin â Late Masterpieces and Liszt: 12 Transcendental Etudes. sandrorussopianist.com
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THE TRICK AND THE TREAT ï»ż
ï»żOF CREATION
On Sunday, November 2, as we approach All Hallowsâ Eve, we will explore the two creation stories in Genesis and the competing images of God as just and mercifulâleaving us with the timeless rabbinic question: should humankind have been created at all?
FROM FRANKENSTEIN TO CLONES: ï»ż
ï»żPLAYING GOD
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ï»żOn Sunday, November 9, as we observe All Souls and All Saints, we will help us examine human beings as creators in Mary Shelleyâs Frankenstein and Kazuo Ishiguroâs Never Let Me Go. Together, weâll wrestle with the haunting question: What obligation does the creator have to its creation?
Adult Formation at 9:00 am in Inglett Hall
Led by longtime parishioner Holly Chesser and The Rev. John Porter. Holly teaches Upper School English at the Lovett School, holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Virginia, and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut. John is, well, heâs still John.
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Holiday Market Returns
Sunday, November 16
We are pleased to offer the Holiday Market for convenient holiday shopping for teachers, friends, family, coworkers, and yourself! Sunday, November 16 from 8:30 AM-12:00 PM in Inglett Hall.
If you are an artist in any medium--pottery, metal, wood, fabric, jewelry, or a baker or an author, etc, you may reserve a table by contacting Elaine Morgan at ewmorgan1@bellsouth.net. There is no fee to participate, and all proceeds are your own. Bring your own method of accepting payments (e.g., PayPal, cash, Square, etc.) Setup will be from 9:00-11:00 AM the day before. If questions, reach out to Elaine and get ready to have a great morning!
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Church of the Common Ground
November 16, 11:30 AM
Help pack 120+ lunches for the unhoused at Parish Hall after the 10:15 AM service. Worship follows at 1:00 PM in Woodruff Park.
Contact Robin Hickey | hickeys5040@gmail.com
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Changes and Chances
A Grief Workshop
A workshop for all kinds of grief.
We are Practicing the Pastoral Arts. We are not about becoming artists, or even creating a âwork of artâ. Instead, we are being brave enough to let the art do its work with us. Join us on Wednesdays, November 12 & 19, at 10:30-12:00 PM or Thursdays, November 13 & 20, at 6:00-7:30 PM.
Art is powerful, freeing, and healing. It is evocative. Pastoral Art is a mindful mixed media approach to making something with our spiritual lives. We experiment with art supplies because it gives us access to the uncharted, untapped riches of the soul and the possibility for deep healing. We donât have to be âcreativeâ or âartisticâ to engage in Pastoral Arts. We simply look, and listen, and oftentimes we wait; and I dare say, we play.
With this grief workshop, showing up is the hard part, but it is enough.
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Thanksgiving Outreach with Emmaus House
Emmaus House believes that celebrating the holidays together is an important factor in maintaining family ties. With your help, we will help 300 families in need enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We seek donations of bags filled with the requested items. The list of items is included in the Trader Joe bags. Join us for this annual outreach event by grabbing a bag or two!
If you are interested in helping with dropping off the filled bags to Emmaus House, contact Lilia Romero at lgrrn@comcast.net or 404-422-0523.
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Club 45 Halloween Breakfast Party
October 26, 9:00-10:05 AM
4th & 5th graders, join us this Sunday at 9:15 AM for a Halloween Breakfast Party. Wear your costume and come ready to enjoy breakfast, special treats, and fun times with friends!
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GLOW
November 5, 6:00-7:00 PM
Family Dinner at 5:30 PM, Program from 6:00-7:00 PM
Letâs GLOW for November. Kids ages PreK-5th grade are invited to join us for a special time of gratitude. We will talk about our upcoming food service volunteer opportunity, make a craft, and play some games. Adults and kids are invited to gather for dinner at 5:30 PM, and then kids will leave for the GLOW program from 6-7pm. Parents are invited to stick around for wine and conversation while the kids are at GLOW. Friends are welcome! Parents are required to stay with their kids during dinner.
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Youth Group: Hook
November 16, 5:30-8:00 PM
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All 6th-12th graders are invited to a special outdoor movie night under the stars! Weâll be watching the classic film Hook, with plenty of space to relax, hang out with friends, and enjoy the evening. There will be a food truck, yard games, and cozy spots to chill- whether you're all about the movie or just want to play and unwind. Friends are welcome, but RSVP is required so we can plan for food and seating. Donât miss this fun fall hangout from 5:30-8:00 PM!
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Childrenâs Service Opportunity
November 19
HIEC Childrenâs Ministry will be serving dinner to 120 students at Agape, a local Youth & Family Center that empowers children from underserved families. Agape provides after-school academic support, development programs, and dinner for approximately 200 children every school night throughout the year. We are pleased to join in this effort and offer children a great opportunity to experience the joy of giving back to our community. Volunteer spots are limited to 15 children in 3rd-5th grade.
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HI Youth Basketball
November 28
Holy Innocentsâ Episcopal Church, in partnership with HIES basketball programs, is excited to sponsor the 2025-26 Holy Innocentsâ Youth Basketball league. Our mission allows us to bridge ministry and sports to develop the minds, bodies, and spirits of children so that they may serve their families and community in Godâs name. This inclusive program for children of all skill levels includes quality basketball instruction designed to improve skills in shooting, defense, passing, ball-handling, and footwork. Equally important, our program strives to nurture sportsmanship, self-confidence, and friendship with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment. The church basketball program is led by the Director, Maria Smith, and the Associate Director, Richard Wood.
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Prayer Shawl
November 4, 7:00-8:30 PM
Join us in the Parlor on Tuesday, November 4, 7:00â8:30 PM. We knit and crochet shawls for those in need, but bring any projectâneedlepoint, cross-stitch, even mendingâand enjoy fellowship while you work.
Contact Cammie Ives | cammieives@gmail.com
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Third Friday: Men of HI
November 21, 7:30 AM
Enjoy warm hospitality, engaging discussions, and a fresh breakfast in the Frost Youth Center. Come for the conversation and stay for the fellowship.
Contact Charles Crosby | charles@corepm.net
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Bucket List Book Club
November 4, 1:00 PM
The group is reading Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, in November and December. We will discuss Book One on Tuesday, November 4 and Book Two on December 2. Weâll meet at 1:00 PM in the Parlor room. All are welcome!
Contact Audrey Sumner | audreysum4833@gmail.com
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Reading Connections
November 10, 6:00 PM
We meet in Inglett Hall, Room C, light refreshments at 6:00 PM; the discussion will begin at 6:30 PM. This month's book is Things Left Undone by Anne Lovett. We are pleased to have the author and HI member, Anne Lovett, leading the discussion.
Contact Michelle Driscoll |
dris1296@yahoo.com
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Men's Dinner & a Book
November 11, 6:30 PM
The book is The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild by Bryan Burrough. Jeremy Webber is hosting. If you would like to attend, please contact him for details. All men at Holy Innocents are included and invited.
Contact Jeremy Webber | jhwwebber@gmail.com
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Parish Retreat
February 13-15, 2026
Mark your calendars for a special weekend of connection, belonging, and spiritual growth at beautiful Kanuga Conference Center! Our parish retreat is a time for all ages to come together. Whether you're seeking quiet reflection or lively conversation, you'll find space for both.
- Engaging programs for kids, teens, and adults
- Campfires, music, and a classic sâmores sing-along
- Plenty of free time to rest, explore, and reconnect with nature
- Opportunities to deepen your faith and friendships
More details and registration info coming soon!
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Realm Access
Realm is our database system, which allows us to communicate all of the things that the clergy and staff do behind the scenes to make Holy Innocents' our home. You are also now able to connect to your record with instant access to the directory, your giving, event registration, and more. To connect to your account:
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Email Renee Stephens at rstephens@holyinnocents.org for an invitation link.
- Create your password and remember it!
- Use your email address and password to log in through a browser or the Connect app
Connect app for iPhone: click here.
Connect app for Android: click here.
Once you have your account access, update your contact information and upload a picture that will be used in the directory. Contact Renee for help. rstephens@holyinnocents.org
Pastoral Notes
If someone is in the hospital, has died, or has some other pastoral emergency, please contact our clergy directly. Call the church office at 404-255-4023 and follow the prompts. This will connect you directly with the clergyperson on call.
If you have joys to share, new births, grandbabies, graduations, or job announcements, we will gladly share them in our weekly Hi-Lights email if you send a note to communications@holyinnocents.org
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